A Creative Encounters Volunteer helps a student on the computer.

Creative Encounters In-School Workshops

Spark Curiosity with Hands-on Learning — Bring Creative Encounters Programming to your Classroom!

Led by our enthusiastic team of university student STEM Instructors, Creative Encounters' free in-school workshops from Kindergarten through Grade 11 offer fun, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and support learning. These workshops run from mid-May to mid-June.

Each workshop is designed to be 60 minutes in length but can be adjusted to better suit school break/bell times.
The content for all workshops is designed to support (but not replace) the Ontario Science and Technology Curriculum and learning expectations, making them a great way to enhance STEM education in the classroom
At this time, schools within (and directly surrounding) Guelph will receive priority but all schools are welcome to request a workshop.
Workshops are updated each year based on request and interest. Last year’s workshops are listed below.
Workshop availability is on a first come, first served basis — and spots fill up quickly!

Interested in bringing Creative Encounters to your school? Fill out the form below to get started!.

This Year’s Workshops

A young Creative Encounters camper inspecting some sand

Bubbles & Motion (Grade K–1)

A playful, hands-on workshop designed for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. In this workshop, students will explore movement, motion, and simple STEM ideas through exciting bubble-based activities and interactive discovery.

Two young Creative Encounters campers walking hand and hand through the Arboretum.

Mini Makers: Wonder Workshop (Grade 2–3)

A creative and engaging workshop for Grade 2 and 3 students. Students will use their imagination, problem-solving, and building skills as they take part in hands-on maker activities that encourage curiosity and experimentation.

Two Creative Encounters campers build a structure from popsicle sticks

Inventors’ Playground (Grade 4–5)

An interactive workshop for Grade 4 and 5 students focused on invention, design, and engineering thinking. Students will explore how ideas become creations through fun challenges that encourage teamwork and innovation.

Two Creative Encounters campers exploring the physics of liquids and flow

Earth Explorers: Space & AI (Grade 6–8)

A dynamic workshop for Grade 6, 7, and 8 students that combines space science and emerging technology. Students will investigate big questions about Earth, space, and artificial intelligence through engaging, hands-on learning.

Creative Encounters camper using an Ipad to learn about ai and programming

Micro4Youth (Grade 10–11)

A senior-level, two-day workshop for Grade 10 and 11 students, led by University of Guelph graduate students. This experience introduces microbiology and laboratory-based STEM concepts, giving students the opportunity to explore the microscopic world through hands-on activities that connect scientific discovery to real-world applications.